Driveway Widening

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The City’s Zoning By-Laws map out city properties into zones according to land use, such as residential, commercial, industrial etc. Zoning By-Laws also regulate what can be built on a property and how big it can be, such as the width of the driveway.

Public Works accepts driveway widening applications (also called a “curb cut”) and circulates them to the Zoning Department for approval. If approved, Public Works issues a Road Occupancy & Access Permit for a fee of $50, which will allow the qualified/approved contractor you hire to perform the widening.

Driveway widening applications for driveways in both new and unassumed subdivisions are accepted.

Why regulate driveway widening?

If front yards are covered with a driveway, there is less area for plants, trees and soil, called soft landscaping, which causes rainwater to run off into the storm water system rather than the ground and does not replenish the watertable. Larger driveways also result in less storage area for snow and the removal of on-street parking spaces.

Important Note: Residents who widen their driveways without approval are subject to a fine and will be responsible, including for costs, to restore their driveway to its condition.